Fatima Clarke 
“The Cut Up” by Louise Welsh (Canongate, £20) The latest adventure of Rilke, the gay auctioneer from Glasgow, begins with a shocking discovery: a body. The victim, an unpleasant jewelry dealer named Rodney Manderson, meets a gruesome end outside the Bowery auction rooms, impaled through the eye with a Victorian hatpin. The same hatpin was … Read more
In the summer of 2020, Candida Meyrick, who writes under the name Candida Clark, acquired a Harris hawk named Sophia Houdini White Wing, affectionately called Bird. Bird is a predatory bird that roams the fertile expanses near the New Forest in Dorset, primarily hunting rabbits, although it shows a preference for cock pheasants. Lately, Bird … Read more
Books to Assist You … Discover Romance Selected by Philippa PerryAmir Levine’s upcoming book, Secure, set for release in April, is based on attachment theory, which identifies four primary attachment styles: anxious, avoidant, fearful-avoidant, and secure. Levine, a psychiatrist, provides practical tools aimed at fostering security in various types of relationships, including romantic, professional, and … Read more
Friday, January 16, 2026 16:00 GMT The Possibility of Tenderness Jason Allen-Paisant A Jamaican Childhood The Possibility of Tenderness explores the natural beauty of Coffee Grove in the May Day Mountains of Jamaica, where the author spent his early childhood without modern conveniences. The book delves into local life, mini-treks with herbalist Rastas, and old … Read more
A Fresh Chapter in the Game of Thrones Saga The Game of Thrones universe has expanded once more, akin to a flourishing tree. What new directions could possibly be explored? The series begins with an unexpected scene: a bumbling fool relieving himself behind a tree, setting the tone for what’s to come. “A Knight of … Read more
Highlight of London In my opinion, Matt Berry’s finest performance is in Toast of London. The show is incredibly funny, featuring absurd plots and unexpected yet fitting celebrity appearances, alongside a plethora of brilliant, whimsical jokes. It’s a prime example of a comedy series where the main character isn’t very likable, yet somehow, you find … Read more
Sophie Turner exudes the air of a classic screwball comedy star in everyday life – dressed in a chic pantsuit and sporting an arch yet approachable demeanor, complete with flawless hair, she’s the picture of someone ready for sharp banter and an evening drink. She appears remarkably at ease with herself, which is not only … Read more
Essential Tasks to Complete 10pm, BBC ThreeLucia Keskin makes a comeback with her unique dry humor in this acclaimed series. Chi, lacking direction and guided by a to-do list from her deceased parents, is initially uplifted until law enforcement appears at her door with news of her aunt’s demise. This prompts a timely visit to … Read more
Blackshore 9pm, BBC Four DS Fia Lucey is not one to be trifled with. Portrayed by Lisa Dwan, this Irish detective causes a stir upon her temporary transfer from Dublin back to her countryside hometown. She’s assigned to investigate a woman’s disappearance and quickly stirs up the local scene. As the plot thickens, it’s revealed … Read more
Hannah Leef, a 15-year-old from New England, should be focusing on her midterm exams. Instead, she’s dedicating time to rewatch her favorite episode (season two, episode eight) of The Rookie, an ABC drama about police officers in Los Angeles. Leef describes the show as her “hyperfixation.” Leef binge-watched all seven previous seasons of The Rookie … Read more
